Echo Ranger AUV

Boeing originally developed the Echo Ranger autonomous underwater vehicle in 2001 for environmental surveys in support of the oil and gas industry. The Boeing-funded AUV incorporates technologies from research and development performed in support of Boeing's $100 million five-year U.S. Navy contract for the Long-Term Mine Reconnaissance System (LMRS). Echo Ranger can transmit data back to a control station using its on-board acoustic modem.

The platform is now being considered for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Echo Ranger has an endurance of up to 28 hours and can dive to depths of 10,000 feet. Boeing estimates an endurance of up to 70 days would be possible with alternative power systems.